Willy Street Fair marks 40 years of free fun

Summer is winding down, but festival season isn't quite over yet. Especially when it comes to Madison's longest-running neighborhood gathering.

Bring the whole family to the 40th annual Willy Street Fair for free this weekend, from 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17.

You'll find a variety of music, food vendors, and eclectic entertainment along the 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of Williamson Street. Get there at 11 a.m. Sunday for the parade, and hang out for the raffle drawing later at 6:30 p.m. at the Third Lake Market lot.

There will be over 30 acts between the Main, Folk, Willy Beats, Kids, Culture, and WORT Underground stages, with something for everyone. For a full lineup, click here. All are welcome to join the parade, which will feature floats, bubbles, dancing, drumming, juggling, and stilt-walking.

Located on the east side of the Isthmus, the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood is full of diversity, character, and history, and its festivals give back to the community. The Willy Street Fair benefits the work of the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center and Common Wealth, which provide programs for all ages and projects to improve housing and businesses.

Click here to read more about what the Marquette/Willy Street neighborhood has to offer.